Analysers and Flow Meters Help Maximise the Biogas Process

With increasing volumes of UK waste now being processed to create biogas from AD (Anaerobic Digestion), Bio-gas plant operators need to ensure that working capacities are maintained and optimised whilst risks are minimised. From small agricultural sites to larger industrial AD plants, accurate and dependable online gas composition analysis and flow rate measurements are essential to maintaining safe and profitable Anaerobic Digestion operations.

To meet this need, Allison Engineering (UK), who are specialists in control, instrumentation, gas detection and analysis, has introduced a range of Biogas analysers and ATEX certified flowmeters. The range of analysers includes the Awi-Eco, a low cost, compact discontinuous analyser which provides 50 CH4 and CO2 measurements per day, with 4-20mA output and USB connection.

For more sophisticated monitoring and analysis requirements the Awi-Flex provides continuous measurement for CH4, CO2, H2S, O2 and H2. This system provides up to 5 measuring points; Ethernet, Profibus, Modbus and USB connection. Most importantly, it can also be used to take flow, temperature and pressure inputs and undertake automated desulphurisation control.

All Awite analysers utilise a rugged, touch screen industrial interface which allows easy access to recorded data, sensor parameters and system diagnostics. This ensures that all information is instantly available, remotely.

Measurement of dirty, saturated gas at low flow / low pressures makes Biogas a difficult application, so the need for effective and reliable measurement is important. For these applications, Allison Engineering offers it range of FCI ST ATEX certified ‘no-moving’ parts flowmeters which utilise thermal dispersion technology, so they are particularly suited to the challenges of Biogas applications. Ease of installation, negligible pressure drop and mass flow output has proved the ST51 to be an ideal alternative to conventional DP cells and turbine meters. In addition, the sensor can be removed ‘live’ with the optional 1” BSP ball valve.